Lepidochelys olivacae (olive ridley)

ecology

Distributed in the tropical Atlantic Ocean (Mexico), this sea turtle feeds on molluscs (snails and clams). This species is propbably the most common of all sea turtles, but is also threatened through fishery and egg removal. Mass appearances (so-called "arribadas") have been recorded during the nesting season in Surinam, Orissa (India) and Mexico (Escobilla arribada). Until now, no protection efforts have been taken.